USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 42
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Mr. Mooney is a supporter of the candidates and principles of the demo- cratic party and since early childhood has been identified with the Catholic church. He has always been accustomed to work and has attempted to perform his part in every undertaking with which he has been identified. He is a capable and thorough farmer and the ample harvests gathered on his farm each year are evidences of his skill. He is greatly respected by his neighbors and has many friends whom he has attracted by worthy qualities of mind and heart.
FRED E. SCHROEDER.
The life work of Fred E. Schroeder is closely interwoven with the history of Warrensburg, where he is now well known as a leading merchant and also as the village president, in which connection he is controlling officially the inter- ests of the town. In all that he does he is actuated by a spirit of devotion to the general good and is proving a most capable officer. Moreover, he is half owner in a hardware, furniture, harness, plumbing and heating establishment conducted under the name of W. R. & F. E. Schroeder. He was born in Warrensburg on the 5th of April, 1875, and is a son of M. R. and Marie (Haegley) Schroeder. The father was a native of Germany but when a young man bade adieu to the fatherland and sailed for the new world. He had been liberally educated in that country and had also learned the harness maker's trade in Germany. On com- ing to America he settled first in Massachusetts and afterward removed to Madi- son, Wisconsin, whence he came to Warrensburg in 1872, the year in which the railroad was built through. His wife was also a native of Germany.
Fred E. Schroeder acquired his education in the public schools of Warrens- burg and afterward worked upon a stock ranch in Illini township. This was his initial business experience. Later he began clerking in a general mercantile store, where he remained for four years, when he embarked in business on his own account, joining his brother, R. H. Schroeder, in 1896 in the conduct of a hardware store. They secured but a limited stock of goods and began business on a very small scale. Fred E. Schroeder bought out his brother's interest three years later and after profitably conducting the store for a time suffered heavy losses through fire. It was subsequent to this time that he admitted his brother, W. R. Schroeder, to a partnership. The latter was engaged in the harness busi- ness and the stocks of harness and hardware were combined. From that time the trade has steadily increased and they have enlarged their stock to meet the
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growing demands of the business until they now have the largest enterprise of this kind in the county outside of Decatur. Their business methods are thoroughly reliable and their enterprising spirit prompts them to keep in touch with the latest productions of manufacturers, so that their stock is always thoroughly modern and up-to-date.
On the 2d of June, 1897, Mr. Schroeder was united in marriage to Miss Flora Minson and unto them have been born four children: Ralph, Ruth, Mildred and Harry. In his political views Mr. Schroeder has always been a stalwart repub- lican and for seven years filled the office of postmaster. He was very prompt in the distribution and collection of mails and in the discharge of all other im- portant duties in connection with the position. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen and with the Masons and Odd Fellows, while his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. His entire life has been spent in Warrensburg, so that he has a wide acquaintance here, while his many sub- stantial qualities have gained for him the high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact. The growth of his business has resulted from close application, unfaltering enterprise and determination. His official record, too, is in all ways creditable and commendable and has been characterized by the accomplishment of many needed results.
CHARLES Y. MILLER.
Charles Y. Miller, a well known and prosperous agriculturist of Maroa town- ship, is the owner of about two hundred acres of valuable land in Illinois and in connection with the tilling of the soil is also extensively engaged in the feed- ing and shipping stock. His birth occurred in Dewitt county, Illinois, on the 9th of February, 1867, his parents being Benjamin and Martha (Pulliam) Miller. The father was born in Morgan county, Illinois, on the 27th of De- cember, 1830, while the mother's birth occurred in Spencer county, Kentucky, on the 26th of January, 1843. Benjamin Miller was still but an infant when taken by his parents to Dewitt county, where he spent his entire life, success- fully following the occupation of farming. He passed away on the IIth of March, 1889, and at the time of his demise owned more than twelve hundred acres of land. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and for one term he served as supervisor. On the 28th of December, 1865, at Atlanta, Illinois, he wedded Miss Martha Pulliam, a daughter of Gideon and Mary Jane (Goff) Pulliam, who spent their entire lives in Kentucky. The mother died when her daughter Martha was but fourteen years of age, while the father passed away in 1850. Mr. Miller of this review is the eldest in a family of four children, the others being as follows. Mary whose demise occurred in November, 1905. first gave her hand in marriage to David Barcley and afterward became the wife of F. S. Meade. She had two children, Martha and Helen Barcley. Elizabeth, who is the wife of W. C. White, resides in Memphis, Tennessee, and has one child, Marian. Benjamin S., a resident of Clinton, wedded Miss Minnie Hoff- man, by whom he has one child, Donald. The mother of the foregoing chil- dren was called to her final rest in October, 1906.
C. Y. MILLER
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Charles Y. Miller attended the schools of his native county in the acquire- ment of an education and remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age, assisting his father in the work of the home farm. On attaining his majority he was married and began farming independently, operating and managing the old homestead place until about February, 1907. At that time he took up his abode on the farm where he now resides-on the outskirts of Maroa, Macon county. He owns about two hundred acres of land in Illinois and in ad- dition to his farming interests feeds and ships stock on an extensive scale, both branches of his business proving a source of gratifying remuneration to him. He also owns some property at Twin Falls, Idaho.
On the 30th of September, 1888, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hoffman, a daughter of John and Adelina (Lorious) Hoffman, who were natives of Germany and France respectively. They came to the United States with their respective parents in early life, settled in Illinois and were here married. Their children were six in number, namely: Nicholas; Charles, who is deceased; Mrs. Miller; John and Kate, both of whom have passed away; and one who died in infancy. Unto our subject and his wife have likewise been born six children, as follows: Mary, born October 9, 1889, who is the wife of Roy O. Bennett, of Macon county ; John H., whose natal day was January 19, 1891; Charles, whose birth occurred on the 14th of November, 1892; William J., who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 13th of March, 1895; Adelia May, who was born September 16, 1896; and Franklin B., whose birth occurred March 31, 1898.
Mr. Miller is a stalwart democrat in politics and is now ably serving in the capacity of supervisor of Maroa township. In Masonry he has attained high rank, belonging to the commandery at Clinton and the shrine at Peoria. He is likewise identified with the Knights of Pythias at Maroa and in religious faith is a Presbyterian. He has spent his entire life in this part of the state and en- joys an extensive and favorable acquaintance here.
CAPTAIN ISAAC NEWTON MARTIN.
Captain Isaac Newton Martin, a retired contractor of Decatur, is now hale and hearty at the age of seventy-nine years. He was born in the town of Norton, Delaware county, Ohio, February 18, 1831. His father, James H. Martin, was a carpenter and millwright who was born in the Buckeye state and died in Decatur in 1850. He wedded Catherine Hess, who was a native of Ohio and died in Decatur in 1882, having long survived her husband. On the paternal side Captain Martin comes of Scotch ancestry. His parents had a family of thirteen children and at the death of the mother six of the number were living. Those now residents of Decatur are: Mrs. Susan Schaeffer, the wife of Jacob G. Schaeffer, living on West Decatur street; and Isaac N., of this review.
Captain Martin, whose name introduces this record, had but meager educa- tional advantages, attending the old-time subscription school for but one term. Otherwise he is self-educated but in the school of experience has learned many
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valuable lessons, becoming in time a good business man of practical ideas and progressive views. At the age of twelve years he began learning the carpenter's trade, serving a three years' apprenticeship, after which he worked as a journey- man until 1855 or for a year subsequent to his arrival in Decatur. He came to Macon county in 1854, reaching his destination on the 3d of May as a passenger one one of the trains of the Central Railroad. His route was from Ohio to Indiana and he traveled some distance by canal boat until he reached Logans- port. From that point he continued his journey by stage and railroad to his destination. After working as a journeyman for a year he began contracting and building on his own account in 1856 and, soon demonstrating his ability, was accorded a liberal patronage. He built the bridges for the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railroad, also a number of elevators, the Pugh street school, the Warner street school and numerous other buildings and private residences in Decatur and the surrounding country. For many years he was numbered among the foremost contractors of the city and conducted an extensive business, employ- ing a number of workmen. He continued in active connection with building operations until 1898, when he retired.
At the time of the Civil war Captain Martin, with patriotic ardor, had espoused the Union cause, enlisting in April, 1861, for three months' service. He became a first lieutenant of the Eighth Illinois Infantry under Colonel, after- ward Governor, Richard Oglesby. On the 6th of August, 1862, he reenlisted for three years' service, becoming a private of Company I, One Hundred and Six- teenth Volunteer Infantry, but serving as lieutenant and later as captain under Colonel N. W. Tuper. He participated in the battles of Arkansas Post, the siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Jackson, Mississippi, all of the engagements of the Atlanta campaign and was afterward with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. He was honorably discharged June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C., and was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, with the rank of captain on the 29th of the same month. His military record was most creditable, for in times of danger he inspired and encouraged his men by his own heroism and coolness. After the war he became a member of Post No. 1, which was the first post organ- ized and later reorganized as Durham Post, No. 141, G. A. R., and in 1896 he served as its commander. He is also a life member of Decatur Lodge, No. 65, I. O. O. F., which presented him with a gold medal, known as the half century badge, in recognition of fifty years' honorable connection wtih the order.
On the Ist of November, 1855, Captain Martin was married to Miss Mary E. Harrell, who was then in her sixteenth year. Her parents were Orlando and Elizabeth Harrell, her mother being the landlady of the old Harrell House that stood on the site of the St. Nicholas Hotel and was for years the principal hostelry of Decatur. Unto Captain and Mrs. Martin were born twelve children, of whom three died in infancy. The others are: Oscar F., a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas ; Landy H., deceased; James H., a dealer in leather and shoe findings at Minneapolis, Minnesota; Isaac Newton, a dry-goods merchant of Peoria; Willis S., a painter of Decatur; Elizabeth, the wife of W. A. Brown, assistant superin- tendent for the Standard Oil Company of Decatur; Nora, the wife of Ross Ewing, of Peoria, Illinois; Hattie, the wife of Dr. O. E. Norman, a physician of Minneapolis; and Jessie, the wife of William Munca. Only one death occurred
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to break the family circle in twenty-six years. There are now twenty-two grand- children and eight great-grandchildren.
On the Ist of November, 1905, Captain and Mrs. Martin celebrated their golden wedding, on which occasion all of their children were present with the exception or Oscar F., who was represented by his son-in-law, Sterling Sorrel. The children presented the parents with a fine bedroom set. There were present on that occasion a number of the grandchildren and also four of the great-grand- children, these being the children of Mr. and Mrs. Ollie Murrt and Mr. and Mrs. John Ellis. There are few indeed who live to celebrate their golden wed- ding and Captain and Mrs. Martin have been particularly favored in this respect. They are still honored residents of Decatur and no history of the city would be complete without mention of them. While Captain Martin is now living retired, he yet enjoys remarkably good health and is splendidly preserved for one who has traveled so far on life's journey.
DAN W. TAIT.
Dan W. Tait is well known in the business circles of Decatur, where he has been closely associated with manufacturing and industrial interests. He now has the central Illinois agency for the Olds gasoline engines and also conducts a modern machine shop for engine and automobile repairs. A native son of Ma- con county, Mr. Tait was born in Decatur township, August 22, 1873, and is the eldest son of Joseph S. and Martha E. (Dillehunt) Tait. The father was born in Decatur, March 28, 1843, and traces his ancestry back to Ireland, whence representatives of the name made their way to the United States, settling in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. It was on the 24th of January, 1871, that Mr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Tait were married and to provide for his family he carried on general agricultural pursuits in which he met with substantial success, be- coming in time the owner of seven hundred and forty acres of valuable land, which now constitutes the property of his estate. Having acquired a handsome capital, he retired in 1890 and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest until called to his final home on the 19th of April, 1909. His widow is a daughter of Benjamin and Martha Dillehunt, early settlers of Decatur and natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was born at Hagerstown, Maryland, March 17, 1818, and died September 23, 1869. He was for many years a lumber merchant of this city and also carried on a con- tracting business, in which connection he became the builder of the courthouses in Clinton and in Urbana, Illinois. His parents were James D. and Susan (Spangler) Dillehunt, who took up their abode in Decatur at a very early period in its development and remained here for seven years.
Dan W. Tait was one of a family of four children, but the eldest, a daughter, died in infancy. The other members of the family are: Benjamin F., now a practicing attorney of Chicago; and Susan, now Mrs. E. Childs, of Springfield, Illinois. The mother, who was born January 28, 1841, is still living, having made her home in Decatur since 1890. .
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In the public schools of Decatur Dan W. Tait acquired his preliminary educa- tion, which was supplemented by study in the State University at Champaign, Illinois, and in Brown's Business College of Decatur. He entered business cir- cles as an employe in the machine shop of the F. B. Tait Manufacturing Com- pany, of which his uncle was senior partner, and after several years' experience with that house, during which period he gained broad knowledge of the business in various phases, he went upon the road as an expert on farm machinery and later as salesman of farm machinery and gas engines. He thus traveled until called back to Decatur to take charge of the office as manager of the retail and jobbing business, which position he filled continuously for ten years. He started out for himself in an independent business venture in 1897, establishing the central Illinois agency for the Olds gasoline engines and accessories, together with a modern machine shop for engines and automobile repairs. He likewise engages in the sale of fine vehicles and driving harness and from the outset the business has constantly grown in volume and importance. As agent for the Olds gasoline engines his sales extend throughout the state and he manages various sub-agencies.
On the 17th of September, 1901, Mr. Tait was married to Miss Margaret E. Wallace, of Decatur, a daughter of A. J. and Elizabeth (Leeper) Wallace, formerly of Heyworth, Illinois. Her father was interested in various lines of business including wholesale and retail stationery. Mrs. Tait is a graduate of the Normal School at Normal, Illinois, and a private school of Chicago, and for four years prior to her marriage engaged in teaching. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tait have been born a daughter and son: Elizabeth, born in February, 1907; and Wallace, on the 29th of August, 1908.
The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian church and Mr. Tait be- longs to Macon Lodge, No. 8 A. F. & A. M .; Macon Chapter No. 21 R. A. M .; and Beaumanoir Commandery No. 29 K. T. In politics he is independent cast- ing his ballot as his judgment dictates without regard to party ties. He is both progressive and industrious and to these qualities may be attributed his success.
EDWARD R. MOFFETT.
Edward R. Moffett, now filling the position of chief deputy in the county treasurer's office at Decatur, is one of Macon county's native sons and his record of public service is creditable to the community in which he has always lived. He was born October 11, 1859, his parents being William T. and Helen L. (Barrows) Moffett, natives of Illinois and of Vermont, respectively. The father came to Macon county at an early period in its development and settled in Blue Mound township upon land which his father, John B. Moffett, had entered from the government at an early age. The tract upon which he took up his abode was entirely wild and unimproved, but with characteristic energy he began its development, transforming the wild land into richly cultivated fields. He con- tinued to make his home thereon until his death, which occurred in 1863. Two
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of his sons, David S. and Joseph E. Moffett, were soldiers of the Civil war, the former serving with the rank of lieutenant.
William T. Moffett also enlisted but on account of the illness of his father was not enrolled at that time. Later he raised a company and was elected captain. This company was organized to keep in subjection the residents of the north who were southern sympathizers and who were known as "copperheads." After the county adopted its township organization William T. Moffett became the second supervisor of Blue Mound township and held that office for a number of years. He was also a member of the Illinois house of representatives for two terms, serving in the legislature that passed the first laws after the adoption of the present constitution. He continued as a member of the general assembly from 1870 until 1874, and in 1876 he was elected a member of the state board of equalization. He had served for two years of his four years' term when, in 1878, he resigned, having been elected a member of the state senate, represent- ing his district in the upper house of the general assembly for four years. Every vital question which came up for settlement received his earnest consideration and he sought ever the welfare of the people at large rather than party prefer- ment. Later he was twice called to the office of supervisor. He died in the year 1901, and his widow now lives in Decatur. They were the parents of three sons and three daughters: Edward R .; John B .; William D .; Leonora A., the wife of E. P. Hall, of Mechanicsburg; Mary H., the wife of E. W. Allen, of Harristown, Illinois; and Elizabeth A., the wife of W. N. Rugh, of Argenta, Illinois.
As a pupil of the public school Edward R. Moffett mastered the elementary branches of learning and later attended the Lincoln University for two years. He also pursued a course at the Northern Indiana Normal College at Valparaiso and then gave his undivided attention to farming until 1901. He held the office of township supervisor for two terms, was town clerk for three years, assessor for one term and commissioner of public highways for three terms. His re- elections to these different offices indicated the faithfulness and capability with which he discharged the duties and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He filled the position of school trustee for twelve years and was school director for six years, and has ever been a stalwart champion of the cause of public education. In 1902 he was elected county treasurer of Macon county and served for a term, which expired in 1906. Since that time he has served as chief deputy clerk under M. E. Peniwell, who had acted as deputy under Mr. Moffett. The latter has been an active factor in local political circles from the age of twenty-one years to the present time and has held some office continuously since. As was his father before him, he is one of the best known men of the county and enjoys in unqualified measure the confidence and good- will of all.
On the 27th of September, 1882, Mr. Moffett was united in marriage to Miss Juliette A. Warnick, of Macon county, and unto them have been born seven children : William T., of Marshfield, Oregon; Ira G., operating the old home- stead; John B., of Decatur; and Helen L., Edward R., Josiah Warnick and Willis G., at home. Mrs. Moffett's grandfather, William Warnick, was the first sheriff of Macon county and at his own home frequently entertained Abraham
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Lincoln, who was then practicing law, Mr. Warnick having the only law books in the county. Under the old law he also administered a whipping to two horse thieves, which is probably the only horse-whipping that was ever officially done in this county.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Moffett were members of the Presbyterian church. He is loyal to the teachings of Masonry, holding membership in Blue Mound Lodge, No. 682, A. F. & A. M .; Blue Mound Chapter, R. A. M .; and Beaumanoir Com- mandery, K. T. He is also a member of Chevalier Bayard Lodge, K. P. of Decatur. His entire life has been spent in Macon county, and that his record has ever been an honorable and upright one is indicated by the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time. He has ever loyally sought the success of the principles in which he believes, and in political circles has been a potent factor in advancing the success of his party.
WILLIAM H. NICHOLSON.
Among the business men of Macon county who have won high standing by years of perseverance and intelligent application, William H. Nicholson oc- cupies an honorable place. For a number of years connected with the banking business, he became identified with other lines, and was one of the successful promoters of the Decatur Southern Traction Railway. He is recognized as highly energetic and efficient in anything he undertakes, and is the possessor of those qualities so essential in making headway against difficulties.
He was born in Macon county, September 10, 1869, and is a son of Jeremiah P. and Catherine (Wallace) Nicholson, the former of whom was born in Ken- tucky March 10, 1840, and the latter in 1846. His maternal grandfather, Robert Wallace, was a native of South Carolina, born in 1827, and his wife, who is still living at Mt. Zion, Illinois, was born in Virginia, September 6, 1822. Jeremiah P. Nicholson came to Illinois previous to the civil war and served in the Eighth Illinois Volunteers from Decatur. He was in the Army of the West and par- ticipated in a number of important engagements, among which was the battle of Shiloh, and he was also present at the siege of Vicksburg. He served with great credit for three years, and after receiving his honorable discharge, re- turned to Macon county, where he has since lived. He is a strong adherent of the republican party, and was elected as sheriff of the county in 1910, having previously served most creditably as deputy sheriff. He is a man of many fine qualities, and in the course of a long life of usefulness has made many warm friends in Decatur and Macon county. There were seven children in the family : Mina, at home; William H., our subject; Julia, at home; Cass, of Decatur ; Robert, now living in Texas; Corydon, of Decatur; and Lester, at home.
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